Mother’s Day at Wild West City, Netcong NJ

We had an amazing time being cowboys at Wild West City, in Netcong NJ.

Really, so much fun!

From the moment we entered the Main Street in the Wild West, to the time we left, there was nothing but non-stop action.  About every 15 minutes there was a live show set in the middle of the street, some with audience participation.  At one point, both Winterlyn and Julian were apart of the show, chasing down a bank robber.

All along the street are museum’s and exhibits, such as a jail and a saloon.  So neat!  I especially loved all of the antiques.  There was a store loaded up with outfits that the kids were able to try on while I took pictures, so cute.  There was a church, a jail, a school, a saloon, a bank and even a general store.

The kid got to go on a pony ride, a carriage ride and even a train ride.

Guess what?  There was a goat at the petting zoo named Crystal! Ha!  Plus, there was miniature golf, picnic areas and an opportunity to mine for gold.

When I asked the kids what their favorite part of Wild West City was, they said:

Jacob: “The live music!”

Winterlyn: “Being in a shoot out!” 

Julian: “The train ride!” 

My favorite part was sitting on the shady bench watching my children enjoy themselves.

As we left Wild West City all three of the kids insisted that visit again, and soon.

 
 
 

Scrapbook Freebie

Look at this adorable scrapbook freebie from Just so Scrappy!  Click HERE to download for free!

Fresh Veggie Bagel Sandwich

This sandwich is so healthy and fresh! Crispy veggies and tangy mustard make this meal a real treat that you won't have to feel bad about eating. This sandwich is terrific with gourmet kettle microwaved potato chips!

Ingredients

• 1 bagel, sliced in half
• 1 tablespoon coarse-grain brown mustard
• 1 leaf romaine lettuce
• 2 (1/4 inch thick) rings green bell pepper
• 4 slices cucumber
• 2 slices tomato 
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 slices red onion
• 1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts
• 
  
• Directions

1. Spread mustard onto the cut sides of the bagel. Layer the lettuce, green pepper, cucumber, and tomato on one half. Season the tomato with salt and pepper. Top with onion and alfalfa sprouts, then cover with the other half of the bagel.

2 pounds lost: second week on Nutrisystem #NSNation

Hurray for me and thank you Nutrisystem!

This week flew, and I really didn’t think about being on a diet.  How great is that? I know the reason why I feel this way, is because I am eating good food.  Ah, lots of variety, and so much chocolate.

Mmmm… chocolate! (I said that in my best Homer Simpson voice, by the way).

Oh, and ice cream!  Them creamsicles are da bomb, yo! (I am so hip and cool, how can you stand it?).

I am so excited.  This means 4 pounds in total, and maybe, next week it will be 6!  : )

I think what is most amazing, is the fact that I have so much more energy.  Also, I am now thinking about other things, instead of food; such as, more changes!  Ha!

My mind is racing with all the things I want to change in my home and in my life. 

I had so many challenges this week too; from a business lunch, to dinner out with friends, to a movie with the kids. I even went to the mall and ate my own packed lunch, while the kids ate at the food court.   I did perfectly well, all week.

So, week three is here and I am feeling, strong, confident and super fabulous.  I think this week I should get my boo-t moving.  Did I ever tell you that I have a treadmill in my house that I have only used once?  Yeah, how sad is that? 

 

Would you like to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem.

Weekend in review

This was the first weekend in months that I didn’t have to worry about college work! It was wonderful. The kids and I reconnected, it was a great weekend.


All three kids got haircuts. Julian is still sporting his long hair. I simply cannot get him to cut his hair short, because he wants to look like Luke Skywalker. : ) Hey, I know how to pick my battles; so I let it go. However, I did manage to get him to cut it a bit shorter than usual.

Winterlyn got a serious haircut! The night before she searched the internet for a style that she liked, printed out a few pictures and showed them to the Beautician.

Jacob got his typical cut, and he fussed about it being too short (which is what he typically does). Teenage hair has to look a certain way; every single hair has to be in its proper place. To me, it looks like it always does; but to him, it’s drastically different.

Raising a teenager is not for the weak.

We also went summer clothes shopping. Now that the kids are older my only role in this process is sitting around waiting. That’s it! My gosh, when I say ‘waiting around’, I really mean like… forever! Everything has to be just so and everything has to be within a certain style. Oh, and because I am so not hip and cool, I offer no good opinion. : )

I have been saving my pennies for a Nook tablet, which we got this weekend. The kids love playing games on my cell phone, and we tend to fight over the Kindle reader. Not to mention the fact that we usually carry around a portable DVD player to keep busy during events, like guitar lessons, doctor appointments, Lego Club, Girls on the Go or Pioneer Girls. So, now with the Nook, we can do everything. We can read, the kids have their games, music and movies. It’s really perfect; great investment.

We baked a cake, which I didn’t eat. We planted flowers in our garden, colored in coloring books, painted our nails (Julian now has purple toe nails… shhh!) and we even washed the dog (ah, wet dog smell!).

We went to the movies this weekend too. I announced at 8pm Saturday night, “OK, everyone get in the car!” I love surprising the kids. After we got home from the movies, we had a very serious dance party. We didn’t go to bed until 3am! Such party animals we are (I totally just said that in my Yoda voice, by the way).

Although I miss college, I really love the fact that I have more kid time. It is just so nice to enjoy them with no care in the world.

Turn that old door into an outdoor table!

I love this from Stacey at Embracing Change!  She took an old door and made this unique picnic table.  So cute and super easy to make.  I really think what makes the table extra special is the fact she left the door knob on.

Microwave Potato Chips

Guilt-free delicious potato chips from your microwave!!

Ingredients

• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes 
• salt to taste
• 
  
• Directions

1. Scrub the potatoes, then slice them paper thin. Place a sheet of parchment paper over the bottom of your microwave oven. Place the potato slices in a single layer on top of the paper. Season with salt . Cover the potatoes with a second sheet of parchment paper.
2. Cook on high power for 8 minutes, or until potato slices are browned and crisp, testing and adjusting the time as necessary since all microwaves cook differently. Remove potato chips from the microwave and cool on a rack. Repeat these steps to cook the remaining potato slices.